In Norway, a young golden eagle was killed following a series of aggressive attacks that injured at least four people, including a toddler. The eagle’s rampage spanned central and southern Norway over the course of a week, culminating in a particularly alarming incident in the Trøndelag region. The attacks began with the eagle targeting a 20-month-old child playing in a family farmyard.
On the day of the toddler’s attack, the eagle swooped down unexpectedly, seizing the child despite attempts by her mother and a neighbor to intervene. The struggle to free the toddler was intense; the mother and neighbor had to physically wrestle the eagle of the girl, who ended up needing stitches for the injuries she sustained. Despite their efforts, the eagle persisted in its aggressive behavior.
Norwegian Golden Eagle Euthanized After Unprecedented Attacks on Toddler and Hikers
Golden eagles, typically known for preying on smaller animals and not posing threats to humans, exhibited highly unusual behavior in this case. According to Alv Ottar Folkestad from BirdLife Norge, the bird’s actions were out of character and indicated a likely behavioral disorder. This bird, a female hatched this year, was identified as the same one responsible for multiple attacks due to distinctive features in its plumage.
The eagle’s aggression was not limited to the toddler; other victims included Francis Ari Sture, a hiker who endured multiple attacks while using his backpack as protection, and Mariann Myrvang, who was assaulted on her shoulders. Both individuals required medical treatment, including stitches and antibiotics, due to the severity of their injuries.
The series of attacks ended when game warden Per Kåre Vinterdal euthanized the eagle. The specifics of how the bird was killed were not provided, but the action was necessary to prevent further incidents. This case highlights an extraordinary deviation from typical eagle behavior and underscores the need for vigilance in wildlife encounters.
